After its final molt, a cockatrice will finally have a distinguishable gender, grow a small hard spot hidden under the feathers on its head; resembling a precious stone, and come into its full magic. Mostly of use to alchemists, they are skilled with transformation and transmogrification spells, especially those which also utilize heat or fire. Unfortunately, unless otherwise directed they tend to use this talent to burn a series of labyrinthine tunnels underground, transforming the walls of these passages into fired clay. This would be unexceptional, except that they have a dangerous habit of collapsing unexpectedly and have often led to expensive rebuilding projects.

Cockatrice are known to dwell underground, and upon finding any suspicious hole, one is advised to procure a weasel at once and send it within where the cockatrice is suspected of dwelling, for only the stench of a weasel can fell these deadly beings. They are impervious to fire, and the air and ground around them shimmers with mortal heat, such that many perish before even seeing their dread foe. It is said they were first created when an evil spirit crept into a crocodile's stomach and burst forth under the full moon, slaying its erstwhile host in the moment of its birth. In these enlightened times, it is known that they are the product of a vernox dragon's love of a dismot, and anyone magically inclined can recite a simple chant to protect themselves from the adverse effects of cockatrice powers.